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Meet our pick of the 2017 British Mortgage Awards finalists: Part one

by: Mortgage Solutions
  • 01/06/2017
  • 0
The 2017 British Mortgage Awards are just around the corner and we asked a select handful of our finalists how it felt to be nominated and probed a little more to find out what makes them tick.

Rachel Geddes, Mortgage Advice Bureau

Rachel Geddes Photo

Broker: Overall
How do you feel about being a British Mortgage Awards finalist?
It’s an absolute honour and seriously still, I am truly overwhelmed as this is the highest recognition in our industry.

To be shortlisted as a finalist shows you are recognised as a one of the industry leaders if your field. What would your peers single out as your best quality in your role?
I would say my peers would single out my views on customer service the most. It is at the forefront of everything I do as a broker and business owner and ensure that a first-class service is received by every client every time.

Any key takeaways or additional comments for us?
As brokers, it is so important that we really do adapt to our client’s needs. In a forever changing market, we pride ourselves on being a hybrid broker allowing a client to use all means of communicating with us throughout the transaction.

 

Paul Saroya, Viva Retirement Solutions

Paul Saroya 2 Photo Viva Retirement

Broker: Equity Release

You’ve made the shortlist Paul. How does it feel?
I am honoured to be a British Mortgage Awards finalist and to be alongside the best in the mortgage market. The equity release market and conventional mortgage market should be aligned as much as possible and I believe that awards like this will help this belief come to fruition.

It’s quite an accolade to be shortlisted for the BMAs. What would someone who knows you say is your standout quality?

I believe that my peers would say that I want to make a real difference in the industry and that this stands out when I’m with clients, colleagues and industry folk.

Anything else to add Paul? My biggest learning is to believe time is on your side – even though there are thousands of brokers out there, if you are doing the right things continuously – you will get recognised.

 

Ben Walker, Mortgage Bureau

Ben Walker Mortgage Bureau Photo (002)
Broker: New Build

So you made it through to the hard-fought final part of the British Mortgage Awards. How do you feel about that?
Delighted especially as I’ve only been advising since July 2015 and have come a long way in terms of learning about the new build world.

To be shortlisted as a finalist shows you are recognised as a one of the industry leaders if your field. What would your peers single out as your best day-to-day quality in your role?
My energy, speed and efficiency in getting the job done quickly for customers and builders but more importantly dedication to the role alongside my colleagues in helping the company stay at the top of its game in the new build and rising to new challenges every day.

Key takeaways to share?
A good Chinese or Indian always makes sure I start the next day well without an empty stomach 🙂

 

Bev Ford, Leeds Building Society

Bev Ford Leeds BS Photo

Lender: Business Development
Congratulations on being a British Mortgage Awards finalist. How do you feel? I am really proud and very appreciative of all the brokers and colleagues who have voted for me this year and many of whom voted for me last year. It is a real privilege as a representative of Leeds Building Society to reach the top three and I am very excited.

It’s a real honour to be shortlisted Bev, so well done again. What would your peers describe as your single best work characteristic?
As a supportive BDM and colleague

Anything to add?
Expectations of BDMs are so much higher now than in the past. It is not just about achieving targets but building long-term business relationships where you add value to the businesses you see. Engaging across internal departments within Leeds Building Society and building strong relationships has also enabled me to support my broker firms across different areas of their business.

 

Cheryl Power

Cheryl Power Aldermore Photo
Lender: Telephony Relationship Manager, Aldermore

What’s your take on being a finalist?
I am absolutely thrilled to be shortlisted as a finalist for a British Mortgage Award; this is a real career highlight for me. I have managed the home counties region for four years and in that time, I have forged some incredible relationships with brokers, which is why I am touched that these brokers have recognised me in this category.

To be shortlisted as a finalist shows you are recognised as an industry leader. What would your peers single out as your best day-to-day quality in the job?
I asked my team what they thought my single best quality was and the resounding response they provided was my ability to go the extra mile for my brokers; whether it was through my attitude and willingness to help, my friendly and personal approach to dealing with my brokers or my sheer dedication to help them no matter how challenging their case.

Any thoughts to share please Cheryl?
Always do what you say you will. I put myself in the broker’s and their client’s shoes and look at ways to help to find a solution to help them and always do it with a smile. I always have a positive outlook, so, people always recognise the fact that I am bubbly and friendly and comment on that fact.

Take a look through all the finalists and get ready with us for the British Mortgage Awards on 6 July at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel.

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